Catechism at St. John the Merciful
Catechism is the Church’s ordered preparation for reception.
It is not simply attending classes. It is learning to live as an Orthodox Christian within the parish.
At St. John the Merciful Orthodox Church in South Orlando, catechism is a season of learning, repentance, prayer, and steady participation in the Divine Liturgy. It prepares men and women for reception into the Orthodox Church through Holy Baptism or Chrismation.
This page serves as the home base for our catechumens and those preparing to enroll.
What Catechism Is
Catechism is apprenticeship in the life of the Church.
It includes:
- Faithful attendance at the Divine Liturgy
- Faithful attendance at Saturday Great Vespers
- Regular catechism instruction
- Establishing and keeping a daily rule of prayer (see our guide to prayer in the Orthodox Church) (link to /worship/prayers)
- Learning to fast with the Church
- Preparing for Holy Confession
- Walking with a sponsor
- Stewardship and service within the parish community
Stewardship is not an optional add-on. Catechumens begin learning to give of their time, attention, and resources as members of a real parish family.
You learn by praying.
You learn by standing in the services.
You learn by fasting.
You learn by serving.
Enrollment as a catechumen marks a real step. It does not mean you have mastered the faith. It means you are willing to begin ordering your life around Christ and His Church.
The Structure of Catechism at SJTM
Catechism at St. John the Merciful follows the rhythm of the Church year.
Our annual cycle begins in the fall, at the start of the Nativity Fast (November 15), and continues through the Nativity of Christ (December 25). After a brief pause, catechism resumes in earnest during the pre-Lenten period and continues through Holy Pentecost.
We then pause during the summer months and resume again in the fall.
Catechism is not organized around an academic calendar. It is ordered according to the Church’s life of fasting and feasting.
During the fall and Lenten cycles, instruction includes:
- The Gospel of Mark and its immediacy for our lives
- Genesis and the story of who we are and how we fell
- Isaiah and the promises of God to those who repent
- The Cross as the pattern of Christian life
- Proverbs and the Psalms as the school of virtue
- The saints and the life of the Church
- Preparation for Holy Week and Pascha
- Mystagogy following reception
The Gospel of Mark is especially fitting for catechumens. Its urgency — “immediately” — calls us not merely to think about Christ, but to follow Him.
Catechism is therefore not abstract theology. It is preparation to worship rightly, to repent concretely, and to live as members of the Body of Christ.
2026 Spring Catechesis Schedule
Catechism meets twice each week.
Instruction is offered on Saturdays from 4:30–5:30 PM, immediately before Great Vespers.
A second session takes place on Sundays during the Divine Liturgy. After the catechumens are dismissed, they meet for instruction and return to the nave at the time of Communion to rejoin the faithful for the close of the Liturgy.
Catechumen Binder & Study Materials
Each catechumen receives a PDF file of our catechumen binder containing:
- The Rule for Catechumens at SJTM
- The catechesis schedule
- Text of Baptismal Instructions of St. John Chrysostom
- A basic prayer rule for catechumens
- Selected readings on the scriptures, fasting, the lives of the saints, etc.
- Guides for Great Lent and Holy Week
- Preparation for becoming a member of the Church
The Rule for Catechumens
Enrollment as a catechumen is a public and ecclesial step.
Each catechumen receives a written Rule outlining the moral and practical expectations that accompany that step.
The Rule addresses:
- The seriousness of enrollment
- Stability in parish life
- Faithful participation in the services
- A fast from receiving sacraments in one’s former ecclesial body
- Guarding against unhealthy or combative online Orthodox culture
- Conduct fitting for someone preparing for reception
The catechumenate is not a period of spiritual experimentation. It is a time of ordered commitment. The Rule exists to protect that commitment — for the good of the catechumen and for the peace of the parish.
Audio Recordings of Catechism Sessions
When someone is ill or providentially absent, catechism sessions are recorded and made available here.
These recordings are for enrolled catechumens and serious inquirers. They are not a substitute for attendance or participation in the Divine Liturgy.
Preparation for Reception
Reception into the Orthodox Church is not rushed. Catechumens are received into the Church when they, the rector, and their sponsor all agree they are ready.
Depending on your background, reception may be through:
- Holy Baptism
- Holy Chrismation
- Confession of Faith
The timing is determined pastorally in consultation with the Rector and in accordance with the canonical practice of the Orthodox Church in America Diocese of the South.
Reception ordinarily takes place at Pascha or another appointed feast.
Considering Enrollment?
If you are not yet enrolled but are discerning that step, begin here:
